Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Cleaning out the gas tank from hell, sending unit has basically disolved(not a misprint). Arm is gone, half the mechanism. I see the 165.00 option plus shipping. Any other options? Plenty of other Datsun units for other models for 30.00-45-00 shipped. Trying to avoid the 200.00 go down just to find out I don't have a functional gauge. Was reading in the archives about a VW model?

You can easily check the gauge electic circuit by grounding the power wire at the sender.
With the key on and battery connected, your gauge should climb to full.
If it does you know the gauge, voltage regulator and wiring is good.
If it doesn't work, don't assume it's the gauge. More likely the voltage regulator or a loose wire.
As far as the sender, I see them occasionally on ebay and even offered by members here.
I think that anything else will be a sort of "make work" as far as arm length, resistance, connections, fitment to tank, etc.
Regarding a "$200 mistake", it sounds like your sender is scrap so, regardless, you will need a good sender so you're gonna need one if you want a working fuel gauge.
Dan

Here is a brand new one for $90 plus shipping on evil bay.

Gas Tank Fuel Sender

Steve